Why is Ryanair so profitable?
Ryanair has grown rapidly to become one of Europe's largest passenger airlines. In this short study video we look at some of the factors that help explain the rapid expansion of revenues and (until...
UK Economy - Are there 3 million hidden unemployed?
Research by the think-tank Centre for Cities suggests that official unemployment figures understate the number of people who are unemployed and a distinct North-South divide in the data.
Dynamic Efficiency - Emirates Tests Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Emirates have run a test flight with one engine powered entirely by sustainable aviation fuel, as part of its commitment to developing greener fuels.
Some gloomy macro news for the UK today. The IMF has upgraded its forecasts for the global economy; UK is now only leading economy expected to contract in 2023.
Government Failure - Indian Alcohol Ban Drives Unregulated Liquor
Proof that banning goods that produce negative externalities is rarely constructive.
Economic inactivity - 1.6m UK adults over 50 unable to work
More here on the decline in the British labour force, and its macroeconomic implications. There has been a near 300,000 increase in the over-50s not working - so how are the government going to...
Give Directly - Unconditional Cash Transfers to Lift Human Capital
I used this short video clip from Give Directly when discussing pro-poor development strategies and measures designed to overcome the savings-investment gap.
How is Tesco so profitable?
In our new study video we look at some of the reasons why the UK retailer Tesco makes consistently high profits.
Is more change afoot for the UK retail grocery sector?
For the second time in recent years, FlyBe has gone into administration and ceased trading. In contrast, the low-cost carrier Wizz Air seems to be thriving and has posted over Euro 30 million in...
Circular Economy - How recycled polyfloss keeps refuge shelters warm
Here is a lovely example of the circular economy with the use of waste plastics to construct a polyfloss plastic that can serve as insulation to keep the most basic refuge shelters warm.
UK car production collapses to lowest for 66 years
Wow! 2021 was a bad year for UK car production and 2022 has proved to be even worse!
Sunk Costs - HS2 may not run through to central London
The ill-fated HS2 might be on the point of another blow - with rumours that the London end of the line might not be destined for central London but may stop in Ealing - in the suburbs.
Economics Weekly Quiz | 27 January 2023
Here's our weekly economics news quiz.
Is carbon offsetting a model with dangerous flaws?
There's nothing more painful than watching closely held opinions being challenged. But this Guardian article suggests that the carbon offsetting market is fundamentally flawed. Who would have...
Is the UK government planning to raise the pension age (again)?
The UK state pension age may rise to 68 in 2030s according to reports. Teachers of a certain age might want to look away now!
Economic Growth and Development - Vehicle Manufacturing in Rwanda
Rwanda would be one of my choices of developing countries to study ahead of the 2023 Economics papers. James Hall (Reuters) reports below that auto production in Rwanda is expanding rapidly. By...
New Post-Brexit Farm Subsidy System Revealed
If you are teaching or studying the economics of subsidy, then details of the new arrangements for farm subsidies in the UK in a post-Brexit environment might be worth checking.
Is Levelling Up more than just a catchy slogan?
The metropolitan mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham writes here in the Guardian about the prospects for levelling up, noting that Germany has actually done a remarkable job of levelling up...
Innovation and Microsoft-owner backed investment as an Australian firm looks to reduce the methane emissions from livestock (i.e. cow burps and farts) by introducing red seaweed into their diets.